Ex-AG faults INEC over ADC leadership interpretation

Former Cross River Attorney General Attah Ochinke criticizes INEC for misinterpreting a court order that led to de-recognition of David Mark's ADC leadership. Ochinke argues the court explicitly directed all parties to maintain the status quo, which meant retaining Mark's leadership structure rather than creating a vacuum.

The APC stalwart, who served as Cross River NBA chairman, faulted INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan—a respected Professor of Law—for what he described as a flawed legal interpretation. 'You cannot remove an existing leadership and claim to be preserving the status quo when, at no time, the party was without leadership,' Ochinke stated.

He warned the decision further erodes public confidence in Nigeria's electoral body, reinforcing concerns about INEC's credibility. Rather than pursue an appeal, Ochinke advised ADC to seek direct judicial clarification of the court order, while denying ruling party involvement in opposition party internal crises.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/11/ex-attorney-general-ochinke-faults-inec-over-adc-leadership/